Elegancy101 Special: The Afropolitan Luxury Fashion Art Gallery



I attended the Afropolitan Luxury fashion art gallery at the Art'otel in Amsterdam the other day. “Afropolitan Luxury” is the bridge between the world of African and Western design, challenging the status quo on the existing concept of African design by bringing the best of African talent to the international forefront. It was apealing to see a showcase that was deeply rooted in the African culture. I really liked the way it acknowledged the cosmopolitan environment that is influenced by Western consumer habits and trends.  

The Gallery showcased some talents in a multi disciplinary exposition that covered, fashion, art, music and design from Africa or inspired by this beautiful continent. It introduces a new generation of designers that are ready to take the world by storm with their unique take on African heritage and modern designs.

During the exhibition, pieces from the special edition collection M'Afrique by Italian furniture brand Moroso we're featured. “Looking at Africa through the eyes of contemporary art, photography, architecture and design is perhaps the most appropriate way of approaching this vast, powerful continent, so creatively rich and diverse that today it is still one of Western modernity's greatest sources of inspiration,” said creative director Patrizia Moroso of the Italian furniture brand's.

The various artworks we're displayed by Bouba Dola , Patrick Makumbe and Fitsum Behre Woldelibanos. They we're all born in Africa and they filled the gallery with mixed media artworks, drawings from Acrylic paintings, sculptures and dreamlike images.

The fashion exhibition was displayed by various fashion designers like Nomi by Naomi  a unique fashion label founded in 2008 by Naomi Rosheuvel who creates functional collections with surprising details. Also Guyso Couture , designed by Guy Ouedraogo who is original from Cote d'Ivoire but moved to the Netherlands to pursue his designer dreams.

The accessory section was displayed by South African label Pichulik who creates bold jewelry for women. Bagthis  a South African based bags and accesories brand. Kushn, a label that creates fresh ranges of bags, furniture and accessories that are contemporary and fashion forward.

In addition to all those brands, there was also room for three young designers that showcased a selection of their work. Djamila Monteiro with her label Djamila Fashion, Rahel Eyob with her label Habesha Couture and Carmen Medhar.